Stone's Tavern was one of Noble County's first "commercial" structures. Built by the second white settler in Noble County, Richard Stone, the now restored Tavern was opened for travelers in 1839. The tavern was the center of activity for quilting bees, town meetings, post office, stagecoach stop, jury room, jail, dance hall and rest stop for the weary traveler or drover.

The building was operated as a tavern from 1839 until about the time of the Civil war when it was sold. At the time of the sale, both Ligonier, Indiana and Wolf Lake, Indiana were growing towns and each had a new hotel. The value of the tavern was lost and it was then used as a home and later as a barn.

Steven Caudill, direct line descendant of Daniel Boone, will present his on-stage program, both days during the 2017 Pioneer Festival.Steven grew up just 4 miles from the original site of Fort Boonesborough, KY, and became a Boone re-enactor after learning his family history and the historical significance of one of Kentucky's most endearing pioneers.His presentation is an educational look into the life and legend of one of America's first heroes.

The Stone's Trace Historical Society was founded in April, 1964. Mr. Graydon Blue, a local druggist, convinced the owner, Mrs. Mary Slagle, that he could save the original Stone's Tavern building. Mrs. Slagle donated the tavern and three acres of land to the Stone's Trace Historical Society.

When the grounds and Tavern were dedicated "to give the past a future" on July 26, 1966, the 184 charter society members and hundreds from the area dressed in 1800's era costumes to attend the ceremony and basket dinner. The first "official" Stone's Trace Pioneer Festival was held July 21 & 22, 1973.

Today the Tavern is open during the Summer on Sundays; June 25 & July 23 from 1p to 4p EST. It is open during the Annual Pioneer Festival which occurs the weekend after Labor Day and for Special Events. The Hearthside Dinner is served inside the Tavern, twice every year. The Tavern is also open by appointment;Call Janet Sweeney, 260.856.2666 or Jim Hossler, 574.529.3693.

Stone's Trace Regulators, a group interested in re-creating the pre-1840 longhunter era, was formed to carry on the tradition of remembering and reenacting early Indiana history and rendezvous events. Each year, at festival time, a trading village with primitive camp reenactors springs up at the south end of the festival grounds to give guests a glimpse of life prior to occupation by the settlers. Civil War reenactors, both Confederate and Union, set up their camps at the North end of the grounds. It is a special treat when they fire the cannon!

5111 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, IN 46767On US 33, The Lincoln Highway, which is an Indiana State Scenic Byway and part of the original 1913 Lincoln Highway route. The property is a 1.5 miles South of Ligonier Indiana, between Ligonier and Kimmel Indiana.

Information concerning DONATIONS of funds, time or property, including antiques, or for MEMBERSHIP in the Stone's Trace Historical Society or to the Stone's Trace Regulators can be obtained from;Historical Society: Janet Sweeney This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Regulators: Thad Stern This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you would like to rent the Stone's Trace grounds for your event, the suggested donation is:Birthday, Picnic or Reunion: $25 per day. Wedding: $100 per day.

The renting party is responsible for clean up after the event.For additional information, contact Mrs. Janet Sweeney 260.856.2666 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

It is the kind support and donations by our friends that make it possible for Stone's Trace to exist. Please consider donating to help with the preservation, new projects and maintenance of this National Historic site, that, although located right here in our small community, draws visitors from everywhere.Your donation can be any amount and you can specify that it be used for a particular project, like the Gramling Cabin reconstruction on the Stone's Trace site. Thank you! God Bless you!